What is required to be done in case any practice of Untouchability is noticed?

Ans: Person affected by the practice of untouchability may approach the Police Station covering the area of such incidence and register First Information Report(FIR) as per provision under Sections 3 to 7 of the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955.

What are the provisions of the relevant act?

Ans: Provisions of the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 relating to Untouchability are as under:

Section 3- Preventing on the ground of untouchability

from entering any place of public worship, which is open to other persons professing the same religion of any section thereof, or

from worshipping or offering prayers or performing any religious service in any place of public worship, or bathing in, or using the waters of, any sacred tank, well, spring or water - course,(river or lake or bathing at any ghat of such tank, water-course, river of lake).

Section 4 - Enforcing on the ground of untouchability, any disability with regard to-

access to any shop, public restaurant, hotel or place of public entertainment; or

the use of any untensils and other articles kept in any public restaurant, hotel, dharm shala, sarai or musafirkhana for the use of the general public or

the practice of any profession or the carrying on of any occupation, trade or business (or employment in any job) or

the use of, or access to, any river, stream, spring, well, tank, cistern, water-tap or other watering place, or any bathing ghat, burial or cremation ground, any sanitary convenience, any road, or (passage, or any other place of public resort which other members of the public, or, have a right to use or have access to; or

the use of, or access to, any place used for charitable or a public purpose maintained wholly or partly out of State funds or dedicated to the use of general public or

the enjoyment of any benefit under a charitable trust created for the benefit of the general public ; or

the use of, or access to, any public conveyance; or

the construction, acquisition, or occupation of any residential premises in any locality, whatsoever; or

the use of any dharmshala, sarai or musafirkhana which is open to the general public, or

the observance of any social or religious custom, usage or ceremony or

the use of jewellery and finery;

Section 5 - Refusingr on the ground of 'untouchability'-

admission to any person to any hospital, dispensary, educational institution or any hostel if such hospitaldispensary, educational institution or hostel is established or maintained for the benefit of the general public or any section thereof;or

discriminates against any such person after admission to any of the aforesaid institutions;

Section 6 -Refusing on the ground of 'untouchability' to sell any goods or refuses to render any service to any person at the same time and place and on the same terms and conditions at or which such goods are sold or services are rendered to other persons in the ordinary course of business.

Section 7 (1)

Acting, on the gound of untouchability leading to prevention of any person from exercising any right accruing to him by reason of the abolition of 'untouchability' under Article 17 of the Constitution;or

molests, injures, annoys, obstructs or causes or attempts to cause obstruction to any person in the exercise of any such right or molests, injures, annoys or boycotts any person by reason of his having exercised any such rights; or

by words, either spoken or written, or by signs or by visible representations or otherwise, incites or encourages any person or class of persons or the public generally to practise "untouchability" in any form whatsoever; or

insults or attempts to insult, on the ground of "untouchability" a member of a Scheduled Castes.

What is required to be done in case any atrocities is committed on any person belonging to Scheduled Caste and the Scheduled Tribe by any person other than SC/ST?
Ans: Filing of the First Information Report (FIR) is of paramount importance as the process of justice begins with registration of an offence with the police station. The procedure for filing FIR has been given under Section 154 of Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. The Constitution Bench of Supreme Court of India in its judgment dated 12.11.2013, in the W.P. (Criminal) No. 68 of 2008{Lalita Kumari Vs Govt. of Uttar Pradesh and Ors.} has, inter-alia, held that, “Registration of FIR is mandatory under Section 154 of the Code, if the information discloses commission of a cognizable offence and no preliminary inquiry is permissible in such a situation”. The offences under the PoA Act are cognizable. As such the affected person must file an First Information Report (FIR) in the Police Station of the area as per relevant provisions under Chapter II of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities){PoA} Act, 1989, as amended by the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) (Amendment) Act, 2015(No. 1 of 2016).

What are the offences of atrocities against members of SCs and STs, under Chapter II of the PoA Act?
Ans: The offences are illustrated as under:-

puts any inedible or obnoxious substance into the mouth of a member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe or forces such member to drink or eat such inedible or obnoxious substance.

dumps excreta, sewage, carcasses or any other obnoxious substance in premises, or at the entrance of the premises, occupied by a member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe.

with intent to cause injury, insult or annoyance to any member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe, dumps excreta, waste matter, carcasses or any other obnoxious substance in his neighbourhood.

garlands with footwear or parades naked or semi-naked a member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe.

forcibly commits on a member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe any act, such as removing clothes from the person, forcible tonsuring of head, removing moustaches, painting face or body or any other similar act, which is derogatory to human dignity.

wrongfully occupies or cultivates any land, owned by, or in the possession of or allotted to, or notified by any competent authority to be allotted to, a member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe, or gets such land transferred.

wrongfully dispossesses a member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe from his land or premises or interferes with the enjoyment of his rights, including forest rights, over any land or premises or water or irrigation facilities or destroys the crops or takes away the produce therefrom.

makes a member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe to do “begar” or other forms of forced or bonded labour other than any compulsory service for public purposes imposed by the Government.

compels a member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe to dispose or carry human or animal carcasses, or to dig graves.

makes a member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe to do manual scavenging or employs or permits the employment of such member for such purpose.

performs, or promotes dedicating a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe woman to a deity, idol, object of worship, temple, or other religious institution as a devadasi or any other similar practice or permits aforementioned acts.

forces or intimidates or prevents a member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe:

​​not to vote or to vote for a particular candidate or to vote in a manner other than that provided by law.

not to file a nomination as a candidate or to withdraw such nomination; or

not to propose or second the nomination of a member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe as a candidate in any election.

forces or intimidates or obstructs a member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe, who is a member or a Chairperson or a holder of any other office of a Panchayat under Part IX of the Constitution or a Municipality under Part IXA of the Constitution, from performing their normal duties and functions.

after the poll, causes hurt or grievous hurt or assault or imposes or threatens to impose social or economic boycott upon a member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe or prevents from availing benefits of any public service which is due to him.

commits any offence under this Act against a member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe for having voted or not having voted for a particular candidate or for having voted in a manner provided by law.

institutes false, malicious or vexatious suit or criminal or other legal proceedings against a member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe.

gives any false or frivolous information to any public servant and thereby causes such public servant to use his lawful power to the injury or annoyance of a member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe.

intentionally insults or intimidates with intent to humiliate a member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe in any place within public view.

abuses any member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe by caste name in any place within public view;

destroys, damages or defiles any object generally known to be held sacred or in high esteem by members of the Scheduled Castes or the Scheduled Tribes.

by words either written or spoken or by signs or by visible representation or otherwise promotes or attempts to promote feelings of enmity, hatred or ill-will against members of the Scheduled Castes or the Scheduled Tribes.

by words either written or spoken or by any other means disrespects any late person held in high esteem by members of the Scheduled Castes or the Scheduled Tribes.

intentionally touches a woman belonging to a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe, knowing that she belongs to a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe, when such act of touching is of a sexual nature and is without the recipient’s consent.

uses words, acts or gestures of a sexual nature towards a woman belonging to a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe, knowing that she belongs to a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe.

corrupts or fouls the water of any spring, reservoir or any other source ordinarily used by members of the Scheduled Castes or the Scheduled Tribes so as to render it less fit for the purpose for which it is ordinarily used.

denies a member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe any customary right of passage to a place of public resort or obstructs such member so as to prevent him from using or having access to a place of public resort to which other members of public or any other section thereof have a right to use or access to.

forces or causes a member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe to leave his house, village or other place of residence.

obstructs or prevents a member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe in any manner with regard to:

​using common property resources of an area, or burial or cremation ground equally with others or using any river, stream, spring, well, tank, cistern, water-tap or other watering place, or any bathing ghat, any public conveyance, any road, or passage;

mounting or riding bicycles or motor cycles or wearing footwear or new clothes in public places or taking out wedding procession, or mounting a horse or any other vehicle during wedding processions;

entering any place of worship which is open to the public or other persons professing the same religion or taking part in, or taking out, any religious, social or cultural processions including jatras;

entering any educational institution, hospital, dispensary, primary health centre, shop or place of public entertainment or any other public place; or using any utensils or articles meant for public use in any place open to the public;

practicing any profession or the carrying on of any occupation, trade or business or employment in any job which other members of the public, or any section thereof, have a right to use or have access to;

causes physical harm or mental agony of a member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe on the allegation of practicing witchcraft or being a witch.

imposes or threatens a social or economic boycott of any person or a family or a group belonging to a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe.

commits any offence specified in the Schedule of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes(Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2015, against a person or property, knowing that such person is a member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe or such property belongs to such member.

gives or fabricates false evidence intending thereby to cause, or knowing it to be likely that he will thereby cause, any member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe to be convicted of an offence which is capital by the law for the time being in force.

gives or fabricates false evidence intending thereby to cause, or knowing it to be likely that he will thereby cause, any member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe to be convicted of an offence which is not capital but punishable with imprisonment for a term of seven years or upwards.

commits mischief by fire or any explosive substance intending to cause or knowing it to be likely that he will thereby cause damage to any property belonging to a member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe.

commits mischief by fire or any explosive substance intending to cause or knowing it to be likely that he will thereby cause destruction of any building which is ordinarily used as a place of worship or as a place for human dwelling or as a place for custody of the property by a member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe.

commits any offence under the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860) punishable with imprisonment for a term of ten years or more against a person or property knowing that such person is a member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe or such property belongs to such member.

commits any offence specified in the Schedule, against a person or property, knowing that such person is a member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe or such property belongs to such member.

What is the maximum punishment provided for commission of such offences under the PoA Act?
Ans: For offences of atrocities specified under section 3(1), the punishment is between six months to five years with fine. For offences under section 3(2)(i), the punishment is death. For offences under section 3(2)(ii), the punishment is not less than six months but may extend to seven years or upwards with fine. For offences under section 3(2)(iii), the punishment is between six months to seven years with fine. For offences under section 3(2)(iv), the punishment is imprisonment for life with fine. For offences under section 3(2) (iv), (v), the punishment is imprisonment for life with fine. For offences under section 3(2) (va), the offences as specified in the schedule to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Offences of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2015, the punishment is as prescribed under the IPC.

What relief is provided to a SC/ST person affected by atrocities?
Ans: As per Annexure-I to the Schedule, the norms for relief amount are indicated as under:

Sr. No.

Name of the offence

Minimum amount of relief

(1)

(2)

(3)

1.

Putting any inedible or obnoxious substance [Section 3(1)(a) of the Act]

One lakh rupees to the victim. Payment to then victim be made as follows:

(i) 10 per cent. at First Information Report (FIR) stage for serial numbers (2) and (3) and 25 percent at FIR stage for serial numbers (1), (4) and (5);

(ii) 50 per cent. when the charge sheet is sent to the court;

(iii) 40 per cent. when the accused are convicted by the lower court for serial numbers (2) and (3) and likewise 25 percent for serial numbers (1), (4) and (5).

2.

Dumping excreta, sewage, carcasses or any other obnoxious substance [Section 3(1)(b) of the Act]

Wrongful occupation or cultivation of land [Section 3(1)(f) of the Act]

One lakh rupees to the victim. The land or premises or water supply or irrigation facility shall be restored where necessary at Government cost by the concerned State Government or Union territory Administration. Payment to the victim be made as follows:

(i) 25 per cent. at First Information Report (FIR) stage;

(ii) 50 per cent. when the charge sheet is sent to the court;

(iii) 25 per cent. when the accused are convicted by the lower court.

7.

Wrongful dispossession of land or premises or interfering with the rights, including forest rights. [Section 3(1)(g) of the Act]

8.

Begar or other forms of forced or bonded labour [Section 3(1)(h) of the Act]

One lakh rupees to the victim. Payment to be made as follows:

(i) Payment of 25 per cent. First Information Report (FIR) stage;

(ii) 50 per cent. when the charge sheet is sent to the court;

(iii) 25 per cent. when the accused are convicted by the lower court.

9.

Compelling to dispose or carry human or animal carcasses, or to dig graves [Section 3(1)(i) of the Act]

10.

Making a member of the Scheduled Castes or the Scheduled Tribes to do manual scavenging or employing him for such purpose [Section 3(1)(j) of the Act]

11.

Performing, or promoting dedication of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe woman as a devadasi [Section 3(1)(k) of the Act]

Eighty-five thousand rupees to the victim or reimbursement of actual legal expenses and damages, whichever is less. Payment to be made as follows:

(i) 25 per cent. at First Information Report (FIR) stage;

(ii) 50 per cent. when the charge sheet is sent to the court;

(iii) 25 per cent. when the accused are convicted by the lower court.

17.

Giving false and frivolous information to a public servant [Section 3(1)(q) of the Act]

One lakh rupees to the victim or reimbursement of actual legal expenses and damages, whichever is less. Payment to be made as follows:

(i) 25 per cent. at First Information Report (FIR) stage;

(ii) 50 per cent. when the charge sheet is sent to the court;

(iii) 25 per cent. when the accused are convicted by the lower court.

18.

Intentional insult or intimidation to humiliate in any place within public view [Section 3(1)(r) of the Act]

One lakh rupees to the victim. Payment to be made as follows:

(i) 25 per cent. at First Information Report (FIR) stage;

(ii) 50 per cent. when the charge sheet is sent to the court;

(iii) 25 per cent. when the accused are convicted by the lower court.

19.

Abusing by caste name in any place within public view [Section 3(1)(s) of the Act]

20.

Destroying, damaging or defiling any object held sacred or in high esteem [ Section 3(1)(t} of the Act]

21.

Promoting feelings of enmity, hatred or ill-will [ Section 3(1)(u) of the Act]

22.

Disrespecting by words or any other means of any late person held in high esteem [ Section 3(1)(v) of the Act]

23.

Intentionally touching a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe woman without consent, using acts or gestures, as an act of sexual nature, [ Section 3(1)(w) of the Act]

Two lakh rupees to the victim. Payment to be made as follows:

(i) 25 per cent. at First Information Report (FIR) stage;

(ii) 50 per cent. when the charge sheet is sent to the court;

(iii) 25 per cent. when the accused are convicted by the lower court.

24.

Section 326B of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860)--Voluntarily throwing or attempting to throw acid. [Section 3(2)(va) read with Schedule to the Act]

(a) Eight lakh and twenty-five thousand rupees to the victim with burns exceeding and 2 per cent and above burns on face or in case of functional impairment of eye, ear, nose and mouth and or burn injury on body exceeding 30 per cent;

(b) four lakh and fifteen thousand rupees to the victim with burns between 10 per cent. to 30 per cent. on the body;

(c) eighty-five thousand rupees to the victim with burns less than 10 per cent. on the body other than on face.

In addition, the State Government or Union territory Administration shall take full responsibility for the treatment of the victim of acid attack.

The payment in terms of items (a) to (c) are to be made as follows:

(i) 50 per cent. at First Information Report (FIR) stage;

(ii) 50 per cent. after receipt of medical report.

25.

Section 354 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860) -- Assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty.

[Section 3(2) (va) read with Schedule to the Act]

Two lakh rupees to the victim. Payment to be made as follows:

(i) 50 per cent. at First Information Report (FIR) stage;

(ii) 25 per cent. when the charge sheet is sent to the court;

(iii) 25 per cent. on conclusion of trial by the lower court.

26.

Section 354A of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860)--Sexual harassment and punishment for sexual harassment.

[Section 32) (va) read with Schedule to the Act]

Two lakh rupees to the victim. Payment to be made as follows:

(i) 50 per cent. at First Information Report (FIR) stage;

(ii) 25 per cent. when the charge sheet is sent to the court;

(iii) 25 per cent. on conclusion of trial by the lower court.

27.

Section 354 B of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860)-- Assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe [ Section 3(2)(va) read with Schedule to the Act]

Two lakh rupees to the victim. Payment to be made as follows:

(i) 50 per cent. at First Information Report (FIR) stage;

(ii) 25 per cent. when the charge sheet is sent to the court;

(iii) 25 per cent. on conclusion of trial by the lower court.

28.

Section 354 C of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860)-- Voyeurism. [Section 3(2)(va) read with Schedule to the Act]

Two lakh rupees to the victim. Payment to be made as follows:

(i) 10 per cent. at First Information Report (FIR) stage

(ii) 50 per cent. when the charge sheet is sent to the court.

(iii) 40 per cent. when the accused are convicted by the lower court.

29.

Section 354 D of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860) -- Stalking. [Section 3(2)(va) read with Schedule to the Act]

Two lakh rupees to the victim. Payment to be made as follows:

(i) 10 per cent. at First Information Report (FIR) stage;

(ii) 50 per cent. when the charge sheet is sent to the court;

(iii) 40 per cent. when the accused are convicted by the lower court.

30.

Section 376B of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860)-- Sexual intercourse by husband upon his wife during separation. [Section 3(2)(va) read with Schedule to the Act]

Section 509 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860)-- Word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman. [Section 3(2)(va) read with Schedule to the Act]

Two lakh rupees to the victim. Payment to be made as follows:

(i) 25 per cent. at First Information Report (FIR) stage;

(ii) 50 per cent. when the charge sheet is sent to the court;

(iii) 25 per cent. when the accused are convicted by the lower court.

33.

Fouling or corrupting of water [ Section 3(1)(x) of the Act]

Full cost of restoration of normal facility, including cleaning when the water is fouled, to be borne by the concerned State Government or Union territory Administration. In addition, an amount of eight lakh twenty-five thousand rupees shall be deposited with the District Magistrate for creating community assets of the nature to be decided by the District Authority in consultation with the Local Body.

34.

Denial of customary right of passage to a place of public resort or obstruction from using or accessing public resort

[ Section 3(1)(y) of the Act]

Four lakh twenty-five thousand rupees to the victim and cost of restoration of right of passage by the concerned State Government or Union territory Administration. Payment to be made as follows:

(i) 25 per cent. at First Information Report (FIR) stage;

(ii) 50 per cent. when the charge sheet is sent to the court;

(iii) 25 per cent. when the accused are convicted by the lower court.

35.

Forcing of causing to leave house, village, residence desert place of residence [Section 3(1)(z) of the Act]

Restoration of the site or right to stay in house, village or other place of residence by the concerned State Government or Union territory Administration and relief of one lakh rupees to the victim and reconstruction of the house at Government cost, if destroyed. Payment to be made as follows:

(i) 25 per cent. at First Information Report (FIR) stage;

(ii) 50 per cent. when the charge sheet is sent to the court;

(iii) 25 per cent. when the accused are convicted by the lower court.

36.

Obstructing or preventing a member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe in any manner with regard to—

using common property resources of an area, or burial or cremation ground equally with others or using any river, stream, spring, well, tank, cistern, water-tap or other watering place, or any bathing ghat, any public conveyance, any road, or passage [Section 3(1)(za)(A) of the Act]

(B) mounting or riding bicycles or motor cycles or wearing footwear or new clothes in public places or taking out wedding procession, or mounting a horse or any other vehicle during wedding processions [Section 3(1)(za)(B) of the Act]

(C) entering any place of worship which is open to the public or other persons professing the same religion or taking part in, or taking out, any religious, social or cultural processions including jatras [Section 3(1)(za)(C) of the Act]

(D) entering any educational institution, hospital, dispensary, primary health centre, shop or place of public entertainment or any other public place; or using any utensils or articles meant for public use in any place open to the public[Section 3(1)(za)(D) of the Act]

(E) practicing any profession or the carrying on of any occupation, trade or business or employment in any job which other members of the public, or any section thereof, have a right to use or have access to [Section 3(1)(za)(E) of the Act]

(A): Restoration of the right using common property resources of an area, or burial or cremation ground equally with others or using any river, stream, spring, well, tank, cistern, water-tap or other watering place, or any bathing ghat, any public conveyance, any road, or passage equally with others, by the concerned State Government or Union Territory Administration and relief of one lakh rupees to the victim. Payment to be made as follows:

(i) 25 per cent. at First Information Report (FIR) stage;

(ii) 50 per cent. when the charge sheet is sent to the court;

(iii) 25 per cent. when the accused are convicted by the lower court.

(B): Restoration of the right of mounting or riding bicycles or motor cycles or wearing footwear or new clothes in public places or taking out wedding procession, or mounting a horse or any other vehicle during wedding processions, equally with others by the concerned State Government or Union territory Administration and relief of one lakh rupees to the victim. Payment to be made as follows:

(i) Payment of 25 per cent. at First Information Report (FIR) stage;

(ii) 50 per cent. when the charge sheet is sent to the court;

(iii) 25 per cent. when the accused are convicted by the lower court;

(C): Restoration of the right of entering any place of worship which is open to the public or other persons professing the same religion or taking part in, or taking out any religious procession or jatras, as is open to the public or other persons professing the same religion, social or cultural processions including jatras, equally with other persons, by the concerned State Government or Union territory Administration and relief of one lakh rupees to the victim. Payment to be made as follows:

(i) 25 per cent. at First Information Report (FIR) stage

(ii) 50 per cent. when the charge sheet is sent to the court.

(iii) 25 per cent. when the accused are convicted by the lower court.

(D): Restoration of the right of entering any educational institution, hospital, dispensary, primary health centre, shop or place of public entertainment or any other public place; or using any utensils or articles meant for public use in any place open to the public, equally with other persons by the concerned State Government or Union territory Administration and relief of one lakh rupees to the victim. Payment to be made as follows:

(i) 25 per cent. at First Information Report (FIR) stage;

(ii) 50 per cent. when the charge sheet is sent to the court;

(iii) 25 per cent. when the accused are convicted by the lower court.

(E): Restoration of the right of practicing any profession or the carrying on of any occupation, trade or business or employment in any job which other members of the public, or any section thereof, have a right to use or have access to, by the concerned State Government/Union territory Administration and relief of one lakh rupees to the victim. Payment to be made as follows:

(i) 25 per cent. at First Information Report (FIR) stage;

(ii) 50 per cent. when the charge sheet is sent to the court;

(iii) 25 per cent. when the accused are convicted by the lower court.

37.

Causing physical harm or mental agony on the allegation of being a witch or practicing witchcraft or being a witch [Section 3(1)(zb) of the Act]

One lakh rupees to the victim and also commensurate with the indignity, insult, injury and defamation suffered by the victim. Payment to be made as follows:

(i) 25 per cent. at First Information Report (FIR) stage;

(ii) 50 per cent. when the charge sheet is sent to the court;

(iii) 25 per cent. when the accused are convicted by the lower court.

38.

Imposing or threatening a social or economic boycott. [Section 3(1)(zc) of the Act]

Restoration of provision of all economic and social services equally with other persons, by the concerned State Government or Union territory Administration and relief of one lakh rupees to the victim. To be paid in full when charge sheet is sent to the lower court.

39.

Giving or fabricating false evidence

[Section 3(2)(i) and (ii) of the Act]

Four lakh fifteen thousand rupees to the victim. Payment to be made as follows:

(i) 25 per cent. at First Information Report (FIR) stage;

(ii) 50 per cent. when the charge sheet is sent to the court;

(iii) 25 per cent. when the accused are convicted by the lower court.

40.

Committing offences under the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860) punishable with imprisonment for a term of ten years or more [Section 3(2) of the Act]

Four lakh rupees to the victim and or his dependents. The amount would vary, if specifically otherwise provided in this Schedule.

Payment to be made as follows:

(i) 25 per cent. at First Information Report (FIR) stage;

(ii) 50 per cent. when the charge sheet is sent to the court;

(iii) 25 per cent. when the accused are convicted by the lower court.

41.

Committing offences under the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860) specified in the Schedule to the Act punishable with such punishment as specified under the Indian Penal Code for such offences[ Section 3(2) (va) read with the Schedule to the Act]

Two lakh rupees to the victim and or his dependents. The amount would vary if specifically otherwise provided in this Schedule.

Payment to be made as follows:

(i) 25 per cent. at First Information Report (FIR) stage;

(ii) 50 per cent. when the charge sheet is sent to the court;

(iii) 25 per cent. when the accused are convicted by the lower court;

42.

Victimisation at the hands of a public servant[ Section 3(2) (vii) of the Act]

Two lakh rupees to the victim and or his dependents. Payment to be made as follows:

(i) 25 per cent. at First Information Report (FIR) stage;

(ii) 50 per cent. when the charge sheet is sent to the court;

(iii) 25 per cent. when the accused are convicted by the lower court.

43.

Disability. Guidelines for evaluation of various disabilities and procedure for certification as contained in the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment Notification No. 16-18/97-NI, dated the 1st June, 2001. A copy of the notification is at Annexure-II.

(a) 100 per cent. incapacitation

(b) where incapacitation is less than 100 per cent. but more than 50 per cent.

(c) where incapacitation is less than 50 per cent.

Eight lakh and twenty-five thousand rupees to the victim. Payment to be made as follows:

In addition to relief amounts paid under above items, relief may be arranged within three months of date of atrocity as follows:-

(i) Basic Pension to the widow or other dependents of deceased persons belonging to a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe amounting to five thousand rupees per month, as applicable to a Government servant of the concerned State Government or Union territory Administration, with admissible dearness allowance and employment to one member of the family of the deceased, and provision of agricultural land, an house, if necessary by outright purchase;

(ii) Full cost of the education up to graduation level and maintenance of the children of the victims. Children may be admitted to Ashram schools or residential schools, fully funded by the Government;

(iii) Provision of utensils, rice, wheat, dals, pulses, etc., for a period of three months.

47.

Complete destruction or burnt houses.

Brick or stone masonary house to be constructed or provided at Government cost where it has been burnt or destroyed.”

For further details please contact Sub-Divisional Magistrate, District Magistrate, Director of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Development of State Government and Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Department of Social Justice & Empowerment.

National Overseas Scholarships for SCs etc. Candidates

Who can apply for the award?

Ans: Students belonging to Scheduled Castes, Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, Landless Agricultural Labourers and Traditional Artisans who are below 35 years of age, as on the first day of the month of the advertisement of the Scheme. Total family income from all sources of the employed candidate or his/her parents/guardians, shall not exceed Rs. 6,00,000 (Rs. six lakh per annum), excluding such allowances as are not treated as part of total income for the purpose of income. The Scheme provides financial assistance to the finally selected candidates for pursuing Master level courses and Ph.D abroad in an accredited foreign university/institution in the following Discipline:-

Engineering and Management

Pure Sciences and Applied Sciences

Agricultural Sciences and Medicine

International Commerce, Accounting Finance

Humanities, Social Science &Fine Arts

Other conditions for eligibility are

Minimum Qualification

For Ph.D.:- 55% marks or equivalent grade in relevant Masters' Degree. Preference would be given to experienced candidates, especially those who are on lien with their existing post and employer.

For Masters' Degree:- 55% marks or equivalent grade in relevant Bachelors' Degree. Preference would be given to experienced candidates, especially those who are on lien with their existing post and employer.

Maximum number of children in a family for the award
Not more than two children of the same parents/guardians will be eligible and to this effect a self-certification will be required from the candidate. An awardee cannot be considered for the award on a subsequent occasion as the award can be given only once. The second child of the same parents/guardians will be considered only if the slots are still available for the year.

How many awards are available?

Ans: Hundred awards per year are available under the existing Scheme, with following distribution:

Scheduled Castes - 90

Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes - 06

Landless Agricultural Labourers and Traditional Artisans - 04

Total - 100

When and where to apply?

Ans: Desirous candidates should apply to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in response to the detailed advertisement when issued by the Ministry. This advertisement is usually published in leading newspapers in Hindi/English and other regional languages and the Employment News. The advertisement is also uploaded on the ministry's website.

How to apply?

Ans: Candidates should apply in the application form prescribed and made available by this Ministry subsequent to release of advertisement in respect of selection of candidates for awards under the scheme. This application form as filled in by the applicant should be complete in all respects and also accompanied with proofs of caste/category, income, age, educational qualifications attained, experience acquired, admission obtained/applied etc.

How much financial assistance is available?

Ans: Existing financial assistance

Value of maintenance allowance
The annual maintenance allowance of US Dollars 15,400/- has been prescribed for all levels of courses covered under the Scheme. The annual maintenance allowance for candidates in United Kingdom will be Great Britain Pound 9,900/- for all levels of courses covered under the Scheme.

Earnings from research/teaching assistanceship
The awardees are permitted to supplement their prescribed allowances by undertaking Research/Teaching Assistantship.

Contingency allowance
Contingency allowance for books/essential apparatus/study tour/typing and binding of thesis etc. will be US Dollars 1500/- per annum and for candidates in United Kingdom, it will be Pound Sterling 1100/- per annum.

Poll Tax
Actual will be paid, wherever applicable.

Visa fees
Actual visa fees in Indian Rupees will be paid.

Equipment allowance and incidential journey expenses
The prescribed Incidental journey allowance is US $ 20/- (twenty) or its equivalent in Indian Rupees and the prescribed equipment allowance is US $ 20/- (twenty).

Fees and medical insurance premium

Actual as charged

Air Passage
Air passage from India to the nearest place to the educational institution and back to India, by economy class and shortest route in arrangements with the national carrier, will be provided.

Local Travel
Second or Coach class railway fare from the port of disembarkation to the place of study and back In case of far flung places not connected by rail, bus fare(s) from the place of residence to the nearest railway station, actual charge of crossing by ferry, air fare to the nearest rail-cum-air Station and/or II class railway fare by the shortest route to the port of embarkation and back will be permissible.

The mode of disbursement of above listed financial assistance will be decided by Government of India and Indian Missions abroad.

Duration of award with financial assistance

The prescribed financial assistance is provided upto completion of the course/research or the following period, whichever is earlier:-

Ph.D. - 4 years (four years)

Master Degree - 3 years (three years)

The extension of stay beyond prescribed period for levels of courses as mentioned above, may be considered without financial assistance of any kind except the air passage to return to India, if and only if recommendation of the competent concerned authority in the educational institution/university as well as the Indian Mission abroad is received certifying that such an overstay for a specified period, is absolutely essential for facilitating the candidate to complete the course. The final decision in this regard will, however, rest with the Government of India alone.

Who gives the assistance?

Ans: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment provides financial assistance for the admissible expenditure incurred in India and the expenditure incurred abroad on the awardees and is met by the concerned Indian Missions. Consequent upon final selection of a candidate for award under the scheme, the candidate is issued a provisional award letter by this Ministry, which also includes a certificate giving therein the details of financial entitlements under the scheme.

Within how much period a candidate can avail the award?

Ans: A selected candidate is required to avail the award within one year of receipt of intimation from this Ministry regarding selection for the award/assurance. On expiry of this specified period of time, the award automatically gets cancelled.

How to seek admission abroad?

Ans: Selected candidates are required to themselves arrange for their admission in foreign accredited educational institutions/universities. In this regard the details may, however, be obtainable at embassies, consulates, missions of foreign countries in India.

What to do after getting admission?

Ans: After a candidate has obtained confirmed admission in a foreign educational institution, the candidate is required to intimate the same to this Ministry which in turn may get it verified through the Indian Missions abroad. After receipt of the confirmation of the admission, this Ministry will issue the 'confirmed award letter' to the concerned candidate, wherein the details of the course, educational institution etc. will be also mentioned.

How to get visa?

Ans: Consequent upon confirmed admission of a candidate for a specific course in an educational institution abroad, the concerned candidate may contact the embassy, consulate, mission of the foreign country in India. The candidates should, however, apply for only such type of visa which requires them to return to India after pursuing their course abroad. The Government of India does not render any assistance to a candidate for obtaining visa.

What are the formalities to be completed before proceeding for studies abroad?

Ans: The selected candidates are required to furnish all such legal documents and other agreements before their departure abroad, as decided by Government of India from time to time. The candidates on reaching abroad are also required to immediately contact the concerned Indian Mission abroad and execute such necessary legal documents and other agreements, as decided by the Mission. In case of employed candidates, they are also required to executive such bonds, agreements etc. as may be required by the employer.

Whom to contact for further clarifications?

Ans: The concerned candidates while in India may in this regard contact Under Secretary (SCD-I), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Shastri Bhavan, New Delhi (India)

The candidates who have already reached abroad with award under the scheme may approach the concerned Indian Mission abroad in this regard.

Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Post Matric Scholarship to students belonging to Scheduled Castes

Who can apply for the award?

Ans: All Scheduled Caste students pursuing recognised post matriculation courses in India in recognised institutions can get the scholarship provided their parents/guardian income is not more than Rs. 2.50 lakh per annum w.e.f. academic session 2013-14.

Where to apply?

Ans: Eligible students are required to apply to the respective sanctioning and disbursement authority in their respective States/UTs i.e. where a candidate is permanently settled. Different States/UTs have designated different authorities viz., Heads of the educational institutions/District Social Welfare Officers/Directorate of Social Welfare/District Education Officers etc. for this purpose.

When to apply?

Ans: A students has to apply for scholarship immediately after he/she has obtained admission in the educational institution.

How to apply?

Ans: A student should apply for scholarship in the proforma prescribed by the concerned State Govt./UT Administration for this purpose. The prescribed application forms, which vary from State to State, are available with the concerned Sanctioning and Disbursement Authorities/Educational Institutions. The complete application form as duly forwarded by the head of concerned educational institution should be sent to the concerned sanctioning and disbursement authority within the stipulated time. Students studying out of their State/UT, should send their application to the Director of Social Welfare (or State/UT level sanctioning and disbursement authority) of their State to which they belong i.e. permanently settled.

How much assistance is available?

Ans: The value of scholarship has been given in the website.

Whom to contact in case of any difficulty?

Ans: In case of any difficulty, a student should contact concerned Sanctioning and Disbursement Authority and/or any of the following:

Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Pre Matric Scholarship to the children of those engaged in occupations's involving cleaning and prone to health hazards.

Who can apply for the award?

Answer: The children of Persons who are either presently engaged in manual scavenging or were so engaged up to or after 1.1.97 or the date on which the "The Employment of manual scavengers and construction of Dry latrines (Prohibition) Act 1993" came into force in their State/UT, whichever is earlier, tanners, flayers and waste pickers.

Where to apply?

Answer: Eligible students are required to apply to the head of the educational institution where one is enrolled.

All eligible students are coverable under the Scheme.

When to apply?

Answer: A students has to apply for scholarship immediately after he/she has obtained admission in the educational institution.

How to apply?

Answer: A student should apply for scholarship in the proforma prescribed by the concerned State Govt./UT Administration for this purpose. The prescribed application forms, which vary from State to State, are available with the concerned Sanctioning and Disbursement Authorities/Educational Institutions.

How much assistance is available?

Ans: The value of scholarship under the Scheme is as under:

Value of Scholarship and Adhoc grant

Hostellers
The students as hostellers will be covered from class III to X. The rates of scholarships are as under:-
Class III to X - Rs.700/- per month for 10 months

Day scholars
The students as day scholars will be covered from Class I to Class X. The rates of scholarships are as under:-
Class I to X - Rs. 110/- per month for 10 months

Ad-hoc grant
An adhoc grant of Rs. 750/- per student per annum to all day scholars and Rs. 1000/- per student per annum to hostellers would be admissible.

Additional provisions for students amongst target groups with disabilities

Reader Allowance of Rs.100 per month for blind students in classes IX and X.

Transport allowance of Rs.50 per month for the disabled students not residing in the hostel located within the premises of educational institution.

Special pay of Rs.100 per month be admissible to any employee of the hostel willing to extend help to a severely orthopaedically handicapped student residing in a hostel managed by the educational institution or by the State Government/Union Territory Administration who may need the assistance of a helper.

Escort allowance of Rs.50 per month for severely handicapped day scholars students with lower extremity disability.

Allowance of Rs.100 per month towards extra coaching to mentally retarded and mentally ill students in classes IX and X.

The provisions proposed in (b) to (d) above also apply to leprosy cured students.

Note 1: The students amongst target groups with disabilities covered under this scheme can, however, also get such additional benefits from other schemes, which are not covered in the above provision.

Note 2: The disability as per the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities), Protection of Rights and Full Participation Act, 1955 is defined as blindness, low-vision, leprosy-cured, hearing impairment, locomotor disability, mental retardation and mental illness, which has to be certified by competent medical authority of the State Government/Union Territory Administration.

The scholarship amount will be payable from the date of joining to the date of leaving the school, excluding the period of vacation, which will be about 10 months in a year except in the cases where the students enters or leaves early in the midst of academic year.

Whom to contact in case of any difficulty?

Answer: In case of any difficulty, a student/parents should contact the head of the educational institution/District Social Welfare Officer/Director of Social Welfare of the concerned State.

For further details, please contact:

Director (SCD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment,
Shastri Bhavan, New Delhi (India)

Ans: Criteria for inclusion of any community in the list of Scheduled Castes is 'extreme social, educational and economic backwardness arising out of the traditional practice of untouchability'.

How to get a Caste certificate?

Ans: A person belonging to Scheduled Castes has to apply to the designated authority, i.e., Sub-Divisional Officer/Tehsildar of the area where the applicant resides permanently. The Designated Authority will issue the certificate after verification of the claim of the applicant.

Is there any prescribed format for application?

Ans: It can be obtained from State Government/UT Administration. Some of the States are allowing online applications through their dedicated web Portals.

What is the status of Scheduled Caste with regard to religion?

Ans: As per orders issued under Article 341(1) of the Constitution, only persons professing either the Hindu, the Sikh or the Buddhist religion are deemed to be members of Scheduled Caste.

Whether a person of Scheduled Caste origin who has embraced Christian religion or Islam will he be treated as Scheduled Caste?

Ans: No

Can a non-Scheduled Caste person who marries a Scheduled Caste person will get the benefits meant for the Scheduled Caste?

Ans: No. The guiding principle is that no person who was not a Scheduled Castes by birth will be deemed to be a member of a Scheduled Caste merely because he or she had married a person belonging to a Scheduled Caste.

Can a Scheduled Caste person who marries a non-Scheduled Castes person will continue to get benefit of Scheduled Castes?

Ans:Yes. A person who is a member of Scheduled Caste would continue to be a member of Scheduled Caste even after his/her mearriage with non Scheduled Caste person.

What shall be the status of the off-spring of a Intercaste Married couple one of whom is a member of Scheduled Caste?

Ans: To decide the status of an off-spring of a couple where one of the spouses is a member of Scheduled Caste, the crucial test followed is to determine whether the child has been accepted by the Scheduled Caste community as a member of their community and has been brought up in that surrounding and in that community or not. If the child has been accepted by the Scheduled Caste Community and has been brought up in the surrounding of Scheduled Caste spouse then, the child would be treated as Scheduled Caste. However, each case is to be examined on its merit.

Is a member of Scheduled Caste listed in the list of one State eligible for benefits as Scheduled Caste in another State?

Ans: The list of Scheduled Castes is State specific. As such a member of Scheduled Caste is eligible for benefits in his state of origin only. A member of Scheduled Caste Community, who migrates to other State is not entitled to get Scheduled Caste benefits, from the state of migration.

Example:- A Scheduled Caste person who migrates from State of Punjab to Rajasthan will not get the benefits extended to the Scheduled Castes of Rajasthan but he will continue to get benefits of the State of his origin, i.e., Punjab. But he will be eligible for benefits available under Central Government and its agencies even in the State of Rajasthan.

Whether the courts have powers to include in or exclude from the list of Scheduled Caste?

Ans: Supreem Court through a catena of judgment has held that Scheduled Caste Order under Article 341(1) of the Indian Constitution must be read as it is and it is not open to Courts or Tribunals or any other agencies to amend or modify the list of Scheduled Caste. That can only be done by an act of Parliament in view of Clause (2) of Article 341.

Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SRMS)

Who is a manual scavenger?

Ans: “Manual Scavenger” means a person engaged or employed, by an individual or a local authority or an agency or a contractor, for manually cleaning, carrying, disposing of, or otherwise handling in any manner, human excreta in an insanitary latrine or in an open drain or pit into which the human excreta from the insanitary latrines is disposed of, or on a railway track or in such other spaces or premises, before the excreta fully decomposes”.

What is the procedure for inclusion in the list of identified manual scavengers?

Ans: Under Section 12 (1) of the MS Act, 2013.

“Any person working as manual scavenger in an urban area, may, either during the survey undertaken by the Municipality within whose jurisdiction he works, or at any time thereafter, apply to the Chief Executive Officer of the Municipality, or to any other officer authorized by him in this behalf, for being identified as a manual scavenger”.

Under Section 15 (1) of the MS Act, 2013.

“Any person working as a manual scavenger, in a rural area, may, either during the survey undertaken by the Panchayat within whose jurisdiction he works, or at any time theater, apply to the Chief Executive Officer of the concerned Panchayat, or to any other officer authorized by him in this behalf, for being identified as a manual scavenger”.

What are benefits available for the rehabilitation of identified manual scavenger?

Ans: “Self Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers” (SRMS) provides the following benefits for the rehabilitation of identified manual scavengers:

Onetime cash assistance of Rs.40000/-

Loans for undertaking self-employment projects up to Rs. 15.00 lacs on concessional rates of interest.

Credit linked back-end capital subsidy up to Rs. 3,25,000/-.

Skill Development Training up to two years with stipend of Rs.3000/- per month.

How to avail the benefits under SRMS?

Ans: The Proposals for rehabilitation of manual scavengers under SRMS are sent by the concerned State Government to National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC), the implementing agency for SRMS with details of bank account, Aadhaar card details etc of the identified manual scavengers.

What are the benefits available for the dependents of manual scavengers?

Ans: The dependents of identified manual scavengers are eligible for following benefits:

Skill development training with stipend.

Loans with subsidy and at concessional rate of interest for undertaking self employment projects.

Children of manual scavengers are eligible for pre-metric scholarship under the scheme “Pre-Matric Scholarship to the children of those engaged in occupations involving cleaning and prone to health hazards”.

Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhattrawas Yojna (BJRCY)

Who are the Implementing Agencies under the scheme?

Ans: The Implementing Agencies are:

State Governments

UT Administrations

Central Universities/Institutions

State Universities/Institutions

NGOs/Deemed Universities

What is the eligibility of these Implementing Agencies?

Ans: The State Governments, UT Administrations, Central Universities/Institutions & State Universities/Institutions are eligible both for fresh construction of hostel buildings and for expansion of existing hostel facilities. The NGOs and Deemed Universities are eligible for Central Assistance only forexpansion of their existing hostel facilities.

Ans: No. They are eligible only for expansion of their existing hostel facilities.

Whether the maintenance of the hostels is the responsibility of the Govt. of India?

Ans: No. The Central Assistance under the scheme is provided only for construction of hostels.

Who is responsible for maintenance of the hostels constructed under the scheme?

Ans: Maintenance of the hostel is the responsibility of the Implementing Agencies concerned, viz. State Governments/UT Administrations, NGOs, etc.

What should be the strength of hostels?

Ans: The capacity per hostel should not exceed 100 students.

Which type of accommodation is allowed under the scheme?

Ans: Each hostel room should accommodate 2-3 students. No single room accommodation is allowed.

What is the funding pattern?

Ans:

Implementing Agency

Boys Hostel

Girls Hostel

State Government

50%*

100%

UT Administration

100%

100%

Central University/Institution

90%**

100%

State University/Institution

45% ***

100%

NGO/Deemed University

45%****

90% (remaining 10% costto be borne by NGO/Deemed University)

* Remaining 50% to be shared by State Government.

** Remaining 10% cost to be borne by University/Institution.

*** Remaining 55% cost to be borne by University/Institution and State Govt. in the ratio of 10:45.

**** Remaining 55% cost to be borne by NGO/Deemed University and State Government in the ratio of 10:45.

What happens in case State Govt/UT Administration does not contribute their share to NGOs/Deemed Universities?

Ans: In such cases, 45% share of State Government/UT Administration would be borne by the NGOs/Deemed Universities concerned.

To whom the grants-in-aid are released?

Ans: It is released to the Implementing Agencies directly.

How grants-in-aid are released to the Implementing Agencies?

Ans:

i) State Governments/UT Administrations and Central/State Universities: Released after ensuring physical release of requisite matching share.

ii) NGOs/Deemed Universities : Released in two equal installments. 1st installment is released at the time of sanction of hostel and 2nd (final) installment is released upon receipt of physical and financial reports.

What are the requirements for releasing 2nd installment to NGOs/Deemed Universities?

Ans:

i) Completion of construction work at least upto roof level; and

ii) Full utilization of 1st installment and applicable matching share.

What are the other benefits under the scheme?

Ans: In addition to the Central Assistance, one time grant of Rs. 2500/- per student is provided for a cot, a table and a chair.

Whether NGOs/Deemed Universities submit the proposals to the Ministry directly?

Ans: No. NGOs/Deemed Universities are required to submit their proposals to respective State Govt./UT Administration, who would forward the same to the Ministry alongwith their recommendations.

Whether recommendation of the State Government/UT Admn. is mandatory?

Ans: Yes.

What is the time-limit for construction of hostels?

Ans: The hostels should be completed within a period of 2 years from the date of sanction of the project.

Is there any annual family income ceiling under the scheme?

Ans: No.

Whether any priority is given to students?

Ans: Priority in allotment of hostel accommodation is given to SC students whose parents are either 'Safai Karamcharis' or engaged in unclean occupations.

Whether State-wise allocation of fund is made under the scheme?

Ans: State-wise Notional Allocation of fund is made for Girls and Boys hostels separately, based on the SC population in the State/UT.

Please give details of fund allocated, released, number of hostels sanctioned and beneficiaries during the last 4 years?

Ans:

(Rs. in crores)

Year

Budget Allocation

Central Assistance released

No. of hostels sanctioned

No. of beneficiaries

2012-13

145.00

35.81

52

4556

2013-14

75.00

49.46

48

4100

2014-15

75.00

23.14

18

1601

2015-16

75.00

48.97

27

2227

When the scheme was last revised?

Ans: The revised scheme is effective w.e.f. 01.01.2008.

Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Pre Matric Scholarship to for Scheduled Caste Students studying in Classes IX and X

Who can apply for the award?
Ans: The Scheduled Caste Students whose parental income doesnot exceed Rs. 2.00 lacs per annum. He/She must be studying in a recognised School in Class IX or X.

Where to apply?
Ans: Eligible student are required to apply to the head of the educational institution where one is enrolled. All eligible students are covered under the Scheme.

When to apply?
Ans: A students has to apply for scholarship immediately after he/she has obtained admission in the educational institution.

How to apply?
Ans: A student should apply for scholarship in the proforma prescribed by the concerned State Govt./UT Administration for this purpose. The prescribed application forms, which vary from State to State, are available with the concerned Sanctioning and Disbursement Authorities/Educational Institutions.

How much assistance is available?
Ans: The value of scholarship under the Scheme is as under:

Value of Scholarship and Adhoc grant:

Hostellers:
The students as hostellers will be covered from class IX to X. The rates of scholarships are as under:-
Class IX to X - Rs.350/- per month for 10 months

Day scholars:
The students as day scholars will be covered from Class IX to Class X. The rates of scholarships are as under:-
Class IX to X - Rs. 150/- per month for 10 months

Ad-hoc grant:
An adhoc grant of Rs. 750/- per student per annum to all day scholars and Rs. 1000/- per student per annum to hostellers would be admissible.

Additional provisions for students amongst target groups with disabilities:
a) Reader Allowance of Rs.160 per month for blind students in classes IX and X.
b) Transport allowance of Rs.160 per month for the disabled students not residing in the hostel located within the premises of educational institution.
c) Special pay of Rs.160 per month be admissible to any employee of the hostel willing to extend help to a severely orthopaedically handicapped student residing in a hostel managed by the educational institution or by the State Government/Union Territory Administration who may need the assistance of a helper.
d) Escort allowance of Rs.160 per month for severely handicapped day scholars students with lower extremity disability.
e) Allowance of Rs.240 per month towards extra coaching to mentally retarded and mentally ill students in classes IX and X.
f) The provisions proposed in (b) to (d) above also apply to leprosy cured students.Note 1: The students amongst target groups with disabilities covered under this scheme can, however, also get such additional benefits from other schemes, which are not covered in the above provision.Note 2: The disability as per the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities), Protection of Rights and Full Participation Act, 1955 is defined as blindness, low-vision, leprosy-cured, hearing impairment, locomotor disability, mental retardation and mental illness, which has to be certified by competent medical authority of the State Government/Union Territory Administration.

The scholarship amount will be payable from the date of joining to the date of leaving the school, excluding the period of vacation, which will be about 10 months in a year except in the cases where the students enters or leaves early in the midst of academic year.

Whom to contact in case of any difficulty?
Ans: In case of any difficulty, a student/parents should contact the head of the educational institution/District Social Welfare Officer/Director of Social Welfare of the concerned State.
For further details, please contact:
Director (SCD-V), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment,
Shastri Bhavan, New Delhi (India)

Free Coaching for SC and OBC Students

What are the courses for which coaching is provided under the scheme?

Ans: Coaching is provided to students aspiring to appear in competitive examinations:

Ans: Only SC and OBC students having total family income of Rs. 3.00 lakh per annum are eligible.

What is the ratio of SC and OBC students to be coached?

Ans: The ratio of SC and OBC students to be coached under the Scheme is 70:30.

Whether the ratio of SC and OBC students can be relaxed?

Ans: Yes, the Ministry can relax the ratio in case of non-availability or inadequate availability of candidates in a particular category.

How many times benefits under the scheme can be availed?

Ans: Aparticular student can avail the benefit under the scheme twice, but not more than that.

Whether the candidates are entitled for coaching for both Preliminary and Main exams?

Ans: Yes. Where the examination is conducted in two stages, candidates are entitled for coaching for both the examinations. However, coaching for the main examination will be available only to those who have cleared the preliminary examination.

What is the selection procedure of Institutions?

Ans: The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India invites the proposals from the implementing agencies. The proposals received are considered by the Selection Committee constituted under the scheme and institutions are selected by it for providing coaching.

Whether Registered private institutions and NGOs can submit their proposals directly to the Ministry?

Ans: No. They are required to submit the proposals through the State Govt./UT Administration, who would forward the same to the Ministry with their recommendations.

For which period coaching institutions are selected?

Ans: For 3 years. However, renewal of the empanelled institutions is to be considered by the Selection Committee every year.

What is the Funding Pattern?

Ans: The entire expenditure is funded by Govt. of India treating the scheme as a Central Sector Scheme.

Whether 'State-wise allocation' of fund is made under the scheme?

Ans: No.

To whom the Grants-in aid is released?

Ans: The Grants-in-aid along with amount of stipend for the students is released directly to the institutions/centres concerned.

How the Grant-in-aid is released to the institutions?

Ans: It is released to the institutions concerned in two installments for a respective year.

Whether funds are released for the entire period of 3 years, once the organizations are empanelled?

Ans: Yes. However, funds are not released to those empanelled organizations after one year, who fail to show satisfactory performance. Also, the renewal of empanelled institutions is required every year.

What is the Fee structure?

Ans: The financial assistance is broadly as under:

S.No.

Name of course

Duration (Minimum in Months)

Maximum ceiling of Coaching fee per candidate(in Rs.)

1.

Civil Service (Preliminary)/State Civil Services (Preliminary)

5

20,000

2.

Civil Service (Mains)/State Civil Services (Mains)

4

20,000

3.

Entrance examination for Engineering, Medical, MBA and other professional courses

4

20,000

4.

Other Group A&B examinations conducted by UPSC, State Public Service Commission's (SPSCs), Group B Examinations conducted by SSC and SPSCs

Living expenses: Rs. 2220/- per month per student (admissible for 12 months).

Books and stationery : Rs. 3000/- per annum per student.

Computer : Rs. 45,000/- per student

(The above rates are subject to actuals).

Whether scholarship, once awarded, continues till the completion of the course?
Ans: Yes, it will continue till the completion of the course, subject to satisfactory performance.

Whether the scholarship would be terminated?
Ans: Yes, if the student fails to pass the examination of each year or any terminal examination prescribed.

Who are eligible for scholarship under the scheme?
Ans: Only SC students, who have secured admission in the notified institutions, are eligible for scholarship.

To what extent the number of scholarships is given to the institutions in a year?
Ans: The number of scholarships to the students per year is given to the extent of number of scholarships allocated to the institutes concerned.

What happens when the number of admitted students exceeds the number of awards?
Ans: In that situation, the scholarship is restricted to the top ones in the inter-se-merit list.

What happens if an institute finds number of eligible candidates in the 1st year less than the number of scholarships allotted to it?
Ans: In such cases, the balance scholarship is offered to the students of 2nd, 3rd, 4th year, etc. on the basis of inter-se-merit of previous year's result. (Priority is given to those students with higher number of years left to complete the course. For example: 2nd year student will get priority over the 3rd year student, 3rd year student over the 4th year student and so on).

What is the ceiling of total Annual Family Income?
Ans: Rs. 4.50 lakh.

What is the criterion for selection of students?
Ans: The general selection criteria among the eligible candidates of any institution are the merit.

What happens if there is more than one student with equal marks for the last available slot in an institution?
Ans: The preference is given to the student whose parental income is lowest.

How the institutions are notified under the scheme?
Ans: Any addition or deletion to the list of institutions is notified by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment based on the recommendations of the Steering Committee constituted under the scheme.

How many institutions are notified under the scheme?
Ans: Presently, there are 212 notified institutions, which include all IITs, NITs and IIMs.

How the fund is released?

Ans: Fund is released directly to the institution concerned in a single installment or the beneficiary student (in case of DBT institution).

What will be the effects on students if an institution is denotified/deleted?
Ans: The scholarship will continue to be available to the students already admitted till the completion of course. (However, no fresh seats will be allotted and funds released to such denotified institutes).

Whether State-wise allocation of fund is made under the scheme?
Ans: No.

Please give the details of funds allocated, released and number of beneficiaries during the last four years.
Ans:

Year

Budget allocation

Fund released

(Rs. in crore)

Number of beneficiaries

2012-13

16.70

16.70

1306

2013-14

21.00

24.18

1574

2014-15

21.00

19.38

1569

2015-16

21.42

29.77

1907

Centrally Sponsored Scheme of 'Upgradation of Merit of SC Students'

Who are eligible to get the benefits under the scheme?
Ans: SC students studying in Class IX to XII are eligible for the benefits.

What is the nature of coaching provided under the scheme?
Ans:

Remedial coaching: to remove deficiencies in school subjects.

Special coaching: to prepare students for competitive examinations for entry into professional courses like Engineering and Medical.

What is the funding pattern?
Ans: The scheme provides 100% Central Assistance to States/UTs.

By whom the schools and students are selected?
Ans: Admission and selection is the discretion of State Governments. The coaching institutions and beneficiaries are selected by the State Governments.

Which schools are selected under the scheme?
Ans: The schools selected should have the facility necessary for all round development of the child, hostel facilities and good academic results in the past few years.

What is the maximum coverage under the scheme?
Ans: Maximum 2050 fresh students would be covered under the scheme annually.

When does the coaching start?
Ans: The coaching start at class IX level and continues till a student completes class XII.

Whether a student can be enrolled after class IX?
Ans: Yes. A student can be enrolled in class X/XI, if he/she has shown excellent performance in the previous examination with any reason for missing entry at class IX level.

How many States/UTs are covered under the scheme?
Ans: Presently, 19 States/UTs have been covered.

Why all the States/UTs have not been covered?
Ans: All States/UTs were covered prior to revision of the scheme. However, the Ministry found some of them not sending their proposals at all. These States/UTs were excluded from the scheme.

How the teachers are selected?
Ans:

For Remedial Coaching: Preference is given to the faculty of the school selected. In case of non-availability of suitable teachers, the services of teachers from neighbouring schools are sought.

For Special Coaching: Apart from school teachers, faculties of professional, institutions are invited.

What is the ratio of allocating the awards?
Ans: Allocated awards are used by the States for boys and girls in the ratio 50:50.
The unutilized awards by girls are used by boys. Similarly, awards unutilized by boys are used by girls.

Whether any preference is given to disabled students?

Ans: Target is fixed to include at least 3% disabled SC students wherever possible.

Whether any additional grant is provided to students with disabilities?
Ans: Yes. Beside the amount of scholarship, the following additional grants are provided to them:

Reader Allowance: Rs. 200/- per month (for Blind students).

Transport Allowance: Rs. 100/- per month for disabled students, not residing in the hostel located at the premises of the institution.

Is there any provision for revision of package?
Ans: There is a provision to revise the package once in every two years.

What happens if a State does not send proposal under the scheme?
Ans: In such cases the funds earmarked for that State lapse.

Whether State-wise allocation of fund is made under the scheme?
Ans: No. The implementing States/UTs have been allotted number of fresh slots.

Please give details of fund allocated, released and number of beneficiaries during the last four years.
Ans:

Year

Budget allocated

Fund released (Rs. in crore)

Number of beneficiaries

2012-13

5.00

1.97

1527

2013-14

5.00

4.37

1968

2014-15

5.00

2.86

1554

2015-16

5.00

2.74

1283

NATIONAL FELLOWSHIP FOR SCHEDULED CAST STUDENTS

Who can apply for the fellowship award?
Ans: Any student belonging scheduled caste category who has been admitted to M.Phil/PhD degree in a recognized University.

Who is the implementing agency?Ans: University Grants Commission (UGC) is the implementing agency. UGC notifies the scheme, makes selection and releases the fellowship through designated banks.

What is the scope of the scheme?Ans: The scheme caters to maximum of 2000 fellowships i.e. Junior Fellowships per year to Scheduled Caste students.

What is the duration of the fellowship?Ans: The maximum duration in 2 years for M.Phil and 5 years for Ph.D courses.

What are the rates for fellowship?Ans: The rates have been last revised w.e.f. 01.12.2014 and are about Rs. 25000 per month for Junior Fellowship and Rs. 28000 per month for Senior Fellowship. Details are given in the Ministry's website.

Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY)

What are the Objectives of the Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY)?

Ans: PMAGY aims to ensure integrated development of the selected villages having more than 50% SC population, into “model villages” so that, inter alia,
(i) they have all requisite physical and social infrastructure for their socio-economic development, and satisfy the norms mentioned in para 2.1 of the Scheme to the maximum possible extent;
(ii) disparity between SC and non-SC population of the village in terms of common socio-economic indicators (e.g. literacy rate, completion rate of elementary education, IMR/MMR, ownership of productive assets, etc.) is eliminated, and the indicators are raised to at least the level of the national average; and
(iii) untouchability, discrimination, segregation, and atrocities against SCs are eliminated, as are other social evils like discrimination against girls/women, alcoholism and substance (drugs) abuse, etc., and all sections of society are able to live with dignity and equality, and in harmony with others.

What are the main components of the PMAGY Scheme?
Ans: The Scheme has the following two main components
1. Territorial Area-related Component
2. Functional Area-related Components

1.1 The first component of the scheme is territorial in nature, is centred on individual villages, and has the following two sub-components:

(i) Convergent implementation of existing schemes of Central and State Governments in the selected villages, and

(ii) Gap-filling funds from PMAGY in which Central Government’s contribution will be at the average rate of Rs. 20.00 lakh per village (with State Government making a suitable, preferably matching, contribution) for meeting specifically identified developmental requirements of the selected villages which cannot be met under the existing schemes of the Central and State Governments.

1.2 Functional area-related component is inter alia meant to facilitate implementation of the Scheme by way of strengthening of administrative machinery for its planning and implementation, capability building of key personnel, developing a proper management information system etc.

For this component, State Government will be eligible for central assistance upto 5% of the outlay for territorial area-related components, of which 1% has been already released for Technical Resource Support and baseline survey, to the State Govts.

What are the Implementation Modalities and Training of Key Functionaries?
Ans: The Scheme will be implemented by State Governments. For over-all guidance and monitoring of the Scheme, an Advisory Committee will have to be established at the State level under the co-Chairmanship of Ministers in charge of Rural Development and Social Justice. In addition, a State-level Steering-cum-Monitoring Committee (SSMC) under the Chairmanship of the Chief Secretary will need to be set up to lead and monitor its implementation. The Member-Secretary of the SSMC will act as the State Programme Director, PMAGY. Similarly, the State Government would also need to designate a Programme Director for the Scheme at the District and Block levels. The Programme Directors will act as the Chief Executive for the PMAGY at their respective levels.

For successful implementation of the Scheme (i) Base Line Survey and (ii) Village Development Plan. Key functionaries at different levels will need to be provided necessary orientation and training. Training for the State-level functionaries and the State level Technical Resource Support (TRS) Institution will be organized shortly by the Central Government. After that, TRS Institutions at the State and District levels will be expected to do it for lower levels.

What are the identification of Villages?
Ans: State Government was expected to identify requisite number of villages with >50% SC population, to be covered in the pilot phase, as far as possible from one district only, in the interest of focused attention. However, if the State felt strongly, it would, for sufficient reasons, select the villages from two, or a maximum of three, contiguous districts.

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